Rotary Driller Helper

Assists ROTARY DRILLER in operating machinery to drill oil or gas wells, using handtools and power tongs and wrenches: Assembles and disassembles casings and pipe sections, using hand and power wrenches and tongs. Sets curved metal wedges around pipe string at wellhead to prevent string from falling into well during change or addition of pipe sections. Tightens or loosens threaded joints between sections, using tongs or chain wrenches. Guides lower end of pipe sections to or from well opening. Loosens or tightens joints, using cathead. Mixes drilling mud, using power agitators. Reads gauge to ascertain pressure on drilling tools at bottom of well and reports irregularities to ROTARY DRILLER. Repairs drilling machinery, slush pumps, and derricks. Digs drainage ditches, racks tools, and cleans drilling floor around rig. May assist in erecting and dismantling rigs. Performs other duties as described under HELPER Master Title. May be known according to specific duty performed as Back-Up Worker; Cathead Worker; Lead-Tong Worker; Pipe Racker.